Patents by Inventor Thomas Johannessen
Thomas Johannessen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11945048Abstract: Laser-based techniques for cutting and drilling of transparent components are disclosed. These laser-based techniques rely on laser modification of transparent substrates followed by chemical etching and are suitable for use with a variety of transparent substrates. Transparent components and enclosures and electronic devices including the transparent components are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Matthew N. Van Dyke, Michael M. Li, Thomas Johannessen
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Patent number: 11540408Abstract: Methods and structures for forming anodization layers that protect and cosmetically enhance metal surfaces are described. In some embodiments, methods involve forming an anodization layer on an underlying metal that permits an underlying metal surface to be viewable. In some embodiments, methods involve forming a first anodization layer and an adjacent second anodization layer on an angled surface, the interface between the two anodization layers being regular and uniform. Described are photomasking techniques and tools for providing sharply defined corners on anodized and texturized patterns on metal surfaces. Also described are techniques and tools for providing anodizing resistant components in the manufacture of electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Charles B. Woodhull, Bryan Patrick Kiple, David A. Pakula, Tang Yew Tan, Julie Hanchak-Connors, John Murray Thornton, III, Thomas Johannessen, Peter Russell-Clarke, Masashige Tatebe, Napthaneal Y. Tan
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Publication number: 20220194840Abstract: Techniques for making glass components for electronic devices are disclosed. The techniques disclosed herein can be used to modify a glass workpiece to form a three-dimensional glass component, such as a glass cover member. The techniques may involve reshaping the glass workpiece, fusing glass layers of the workpiece, or combinations of these. Glass components and electronic devices including these components are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Andrew J. Meschke, Thomas Johannessen, William A. Counts
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Publication number: 20220193825Abstract: Laser-based techniques for cutting and drilling of transparent components are disclosed. These laser-based techniques rely on laser modification of transparent substrates followed by chemical etching and are suitable for use with a variety of transparent substrates. Transparent components and enclosures and electronic devices including the transparent components are also disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Matthew N. Van Dyke, Michael M. Li, Thomas Johannessen
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Publication number: 20220194841Abstract: Techniques for making glass components for electronic devices are disclosed. The techniques disclosed can be used to shape a glass workpiece to form a three-dimensional glass component, such as a glass cover member. Glass components and enclosures and electronic devices including the glass components are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Andrew J. Meschke, Thomas Johannessen
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Patent number: 10667418Abstract: Various components of an electronic device housing and methods for their assembly are disclosed. The housing can be formed by assembling and connecting two or more different sections together. The sections of the housing may be coupled together using one or more coupling members. The coupling members may be formed using a two-shot molding process in which the first shot forms a structural portion of the coupling members, and the second shot forms cosmetic portions of the coupling members.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Bryan P. Kiple, Charles B. Woodhull, David A. Pakula, Tang Y. Tan, Michael P. Coleman, Thomas Johannessen, Richard W. Heley
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Patent number: 10201105Abstract: Manufacturing methods that combine molding processes and shaping processes are described. The systems and methods described can be used to form composite parts using a single manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the methods involve positioning a workpiece within a mold cavity, then injecting a moldable material within the cavity at pressures sufficient to deform the workpiece such that features, such as protrusions or cavities, are formed within the workpiece. The resultant composite part includes the workpiece molded to a molded material. In some embodiments, the workpiece is a layer of metal material and the molded material is a structurally rigid plastic material, such that the composite part is a structurally rigid plastic with a metal coating. In some embodiments, multiple workpieces are molded within a composite part.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Andrew J. Meschke, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Derek C. Krass, Thomas Johannessen
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Publication number: 20180242470Abstract: Various components of an electronic device housing and methods for their assembly are disclosed. The housing can be formed by assembling and connecting two or more different sections together. The sections of the housing may be coupled together using one or more coupling members. The coupling members may be formed using a two-shot molding process in which the first shot forms a structural portion of the coupling members, and the second shot forms cosmetic portions of the coupling members.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: Bryan P. KIPLE, Charles B. WOODHULL, David A. PAKULA, Tang Y. TAN, Michael P. COLEMAN, Thomas JOHANNESSEN, Richard W. HELEY
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Patent number: 9955603Abstract: Various components of an electronic device housing and methods for their assembly are disclosed. The housing can be formed by assembling and connecting two or more different sections together. The sections of the housing may be coupled together using one or more coupling members. The coupling members may be formed using a two-shot molding process in which the first shot forms a structural portion of the coupling members, and the second shot forms cosmetic portions of the coupling members.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Bryan P. Kiple, Charles B. Woodhull, David A. Pakula, Tang Y. Tan, Michael P. Coleman, Thomas Johannessen, Richard W. Heley
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Publication number: 20180066374Abstract: A high gloss deep black housing for a handheld electronic device is disclosed having either a textured or a mirror finish. Methods for preparing a housing having the high gloss deep black finish are also disclosed, including housings for mobile phones.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Duy P. Le, Masashige Tatebe, Jody R. Akana, Jeremy D. Bataillou, Shota Aoyagi, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Ricky C. Lee, Thomas Johannessen, Benjamin S. Bustle, Rasamy Phouthavong, Zechariah D. Feinberg, Tiffany Hu, Dandan Wan, Chuanyou Su, Phillip W. Hum, Michael P. Coleman, Jong Kong Lee
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Publication number: 20160368189Abstract: Manufacturing methods that combine molding processes and shaping processes are described. The systems and methods described can be used to form composite parts using a single manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the methods involve positioning a workpiece within a mold cavity, then injecting a moldable material within the cavity at pressures sufficient to deform the workpiece such that features, such as protrusions or cavities, are formed within the workpiece. The resultant composite part includes the workpiece molded to a molded material. In some embodiments, the workpiece is a layer of metal material and the molded material is a structurally rigid plastic material, such that the composite part is a structurally rigid plastic with a metal coating. In some embodiments, multiple workpieces are molded within a composite part.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Andrew J. Meschke, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Derek C. Krass, Thomas Johannessen
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Patent number: 9518333Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing composite parts that include anodizable portions and non-anodizable portions such that an interface between the anodizable portions and non-anodizable portions are free of visible defects are described. The non-anodizable portions can be made of anodizable metals such as aluminum or aluminum alloy. The non-anodizable portions are made of material that do not generally form an anodic film, such as plastic, ceramic or glass materials. In particular, the methods described relate to manufacturing methods that are compatible with anodizing processes and avoid defects related to anodizing processes. In particular embodiments, the methods involve avoiding trapping of anodizing chemicals within a gap between an anodizable portion and a non-anodizable portion, which prevents the anodizing chemicals from disrupting the uptake of dye in a post-anodizing dyeing process.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Stefan C. Mag, Derek C. Krass, Nicholas G. Merz, Daniel W. Jarvis, Matthew P. Rao, Vincent Yan, Michael Ngo, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Thomas Johannessen
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Publication number: 20160330852Abstract: Methods and structures for forming anodization layers that protect and cosmetically enhance metal surfaces are described. In some embodiments, methods involve forming an anodization layer on an underlying metal that permits an underlying metal surface to be viewable. In some embodiments, methods involve forming a first anodization layer and an adjacent second anodization layer on an angled surface, the interface between the two anodization layers being regular and uniform. Described are photomasking techniques and tools for providing sharply defined corners on anodized and texturized patterns on metal surfaces. Also described are techniques and tools for providing anodizing resistant components in the manufacture of electronic devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth BROWNING, Charles B. WOODHULL, Bryan Patrick KIPLE, David A. PAKULA, Tang Yew TAN, Julie HANCHAK-CONNORS, John Murray THORNTON, III, Thomas JOHANNESSEN, Peter RUSSELL-CLARKE, Masashige TATEBE, Napthaneal Y. TAN
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Patent number: 9420713Abstract: Methods and structures for forming anodization layers that protect and cosmetically enhance metal surfaces are described. In some embodiments, methods involve forming an anodization layer on an underlying metal that permits an underlying metal surface to be viewable. In some embodiments, methods involve forming a first anodization layer and an adjacent second anodization layer on an angled surface, the interface between the two anodization layers being regular and uniform. Described are photomasking techniques and tools for providing sharply defined corners on anodized and texturized patterns on metal surfaces. Also described are techniques and tools for providing anodizing resistant components in the manufacture of electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Charles B. Woodhull, Bryan Patrick Kiple, David A. Pakula, Tang Yew Tan, Julie Hanchak-Connors, John Murray Thornton, III, Thomas Johannessen, Peter Russell-Clarke, Masashige Tatebe, Napthaneal Y. Tan
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Publication number: 20160089834Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing composite parts that include anodizable portions and non-anodizable portions such that an interface between the anodizable portions and non-anodizable portions are free of visible defects are described. The non-anodizable portions can be made of anodizable metals such as aluminum or aluminum alloy. The non-anodizable portions are made of material that do not generally form an anodic film, such as plastic, ceramic or glass materials. In particular, the methods described relate to manufacturing methods that are compatible with anodizing processes and avoid defects related to anodizing processes. In particular embodiments, the methods involve avoiding trapping of anodizing chemicals within a gap between an anodizable portion and a non-anodizable portion, which prevents the anodizing chemicals from disrupting the uptake of dye in a post-anodizing dyeing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Stefan C. Mag, Derek C. Krass, Nicholas G. Merz, Daniel W. Jarvis, Matthew P. Rao, Vincent Yan, Michael Ngo, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Thomas Johannessen
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Patent number: 9279189Abstract: Manufacturing methods related to anodizing of metal parts are described. In particular, pre-anodizing and post-anodizing methods for forming a consistent and defect-free interface between metal and non-metal sections of a part are described. Methods involve preventing residues from various manufacturing processes from entering a gap or space at the interface between the metal and non-metal section of the part and that can disrupt subsequent anodizing and anodic film dyeing processes. In particular embodiments, methods involve forming a barrier layer or filler layer between the metal and non-metal sections. Portions of the barrier layer or filler layer can be removed prior to anodizing. The resultant part has a well-defined and uniform space between the metal and non-metal sections that is free from visual defects.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Masashige Tatebe, Shi Hua Zhang, Michael W. Barnstead, Richard M. Bretherton, Takahiro Oshima, Sean A. Backs, Duy P. Le, Andrew J. Meschke, Thomas Johannessen
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Patent number: 9221289Abstract: Methods for creating sapphire windows are provided herein. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a method of manufacturing sapphire windows. The method includes obtaining a polished sapphire wafer and applying decoration to the sapphire wafer. The method also includes cutting the sapphire wafer into discrete windows. In some embodiments, the cutting step comprises laser ablation of the sapphire.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Christopher D. Prest, Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Dale N. Memering, Vashist Vasanthakumar, Vincent Yan, Thomas Johannessen
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Publication number: 20150315715Abstract: Manufacturing methods related to anodizing of metal parts are described. In particular, pre-anodizing and post-anodizing methods for forming a consistent and defect-free interface between metal and non-metal sections of a part are described. Methods involve preventing residues from various manufacturing processes from entering a gap or space at the interface between the metal and non-metal section of the part and that can disrupt subsequent anodizing and anodic film dyeing processes. In particular embodiments, methods involve forming a barrier layer or filler layer between the metal and non-metal sections. Portions of the barrier layer or filler layer can be removed prior to anodizing. The resultant part has a well-defined and uniform space between the metal and non-metal sections that is free from visual defects.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Lucy Elizabeth Browning, Masashige Tatebe, Shi Hua Zhang, Michael W. Barnstead, Richard M. Bretherton, Takahiro Oshima, Sean A. Backs, Duy P. Le, Andrew J. Meschke, Thomas Johannessen
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Patent number: 8892238Abstract: A method and an apparatus for shaping an edge at a juncture of two adjoining surfaces of a part. A first surface and a second surface of the part are abraded by contacting a polishing surface of a polishing wheel to the first surface and to the second surface. The polishing surface spins in opposite rotational directions about an axis parallel to the edge when contacting the first and second surfaces respectively. The polishing surface moves at different translational speeds and the polishing wheel spins at different rotational speeds along straight segments and along curved segments of the edge. The shaped edge has a visually smooth and geometrically uniform appearance.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Inventors: Edward T. Sweet, Roberto Ortega, Andrew Davidson, Simon Lancaster, Thomas Johannessen
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Patent number: 8690640Abstract: A complex geographical edge finishing system includes a fixture that holds an external part having a complex three-dimensional edge, a track disposed around the fixture and surrounding the edge of the part held in the fixture, and one or more finishing apparatuses that can sand, polish, buff, paint and/or apply coatings to the complex three-dimensional edge. The finishing apparatuses move about the track such that the three-dimensional edge of the part can be polished. The path of the track can substantially match, mimic or otherwise correspond to the path of the three-dimensional edge, such that special requirements for the finishing apparatuses are not required.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Thomas Johannessen